Pipe pressure testing method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A sealing device is provided for use with a fitting. The fitting has circular port and a flow path with a longitudinal axis. A circular port encircles a portion of the flow path opposite the port with the sealing device inserted into the port. The sealing device has a circular top with two opposing surfaces depending therefrom but inclined so the surfaces are closer at the top. A continuous sidewall joins the periphery of the two surfaces. The opposing surfaces are inclined and spaced apart further at the top than at an end opposite the top. A cylindrical hole through the opposing surfaces encircles the flow path during use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 16/863,570,filed Apr. 30, 2020; which is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No.15/234,95, filed Aug. 11, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,656,042; which is acontinuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 14/517,520, filed Oct. 17, 2014,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,964,461; which is a divisional of U.S. patent Ser.No. 13/482,557, filed May 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,887,768; whichis a divisional of U.S. patent Ser. No. 12/542,371, filed Aug. 17, 2009,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,029; which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Ser. No. 61/089,360, filed Aug. 15, 2008, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Buildings and houses have pipelines that need to be pressure tested inorder to verify that the various joints in the pipeline do not leak.Such lines include water lines and drainage lines. This testing istypically done by hooking up a source of pressurized air or water to theline and filling the line. Because an open line will not hold thepressure for testing, the end(s) of each line or segments of the linemust be capped or plugged prior to introducing the pressurized air orwater. This is troublesome and there is thus a need for an easier way toblock the line for testing.

Further the line must frequently be tested in an intact state, after alljoints have been fully assembled. If a single joint or a series ofjoints are tested, this testing requires plugs to be introduced into theinterior of the pipe via temporary openings which must be later closedand sealed. It is desirable to have the ability to pressurize andrelieve pressure at the test fitting. But in some cases it may bedesirable to fill at the test fitting and yet not release the testpressure by allowing to fluid flow through the pipe rather than ventingat the test fitting. There is thus a need to relieve the test pressurein a controlled manner and in a variety of ways.

During or after the initial pressure testing of pipelines a need oftenarises to inspect the plumbing line or to test for blockage, typicallyby running a plumbing snake down the line. A cleanout fitting is oftenprovided to make this inspection and clearing easier. Cleanout fittingscombined with pressure-test fittings exist as inflatable bladders areinserted into cleanout fittings for pressure testing. But the inflatablebladders risk breaking or cracking the fitting by over-inflating thesealing bladder. Combinations using removable gate slides or gate valvesand/or removable but hollow finish slides are described in severalpatents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,398,675, 6,699,704, 6,672,139,6,655,413, 6,422,064, 6,234,007, and D488,852. Most of these providesmall openings in the pipe and are thus suited only for pressure testingbut do not readily allow other uses, such as pipe cleanout orinspection.

One company makes a gate device that is inserted into a generallyV-shaped notch (viewed from the side) in a clean-out fitting isdescribed and show in U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,442. But that design requiresa large, complex shaped opening and a large, complex shaped seal thatbends at right angles, neither of which are proven to stand the test oftime and repeated use. Moreover, the generally V-shaped notch extends tothe midline of the pipe fitting and significantly weakens the fitting,causing deformation and leakage when the fitting is deformed by theweight of the adjoining pipeline. As reflected by this patent, it isbelieved disadvantageous to form a pressure testing fitting in the sameopening as a cleanout fitting, in part because many plumbing codesrequire that the cleanout fitting have an opening that is no smallerthan 0.5 inches smaller than the nominal size of the pipe and such alarge opening weakens the fitting and pipeline.

There is thus a need for a combined pressure-testing cleanout fittingthat is of simple construction and that uses simpler and more reliableseal while providing increased strength to support the weight ofadjoining pipelines.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A fitting is provided having a circular port through which is inserted apressure testing device. The fitting is preferably a T fitting. Thepressure testing device is inserted into a recess in the fitting wallswhich recess extends around the flow path through the fitting. Therecess in the fitting walls has a shaped profile that is wider at thetop and narrower at the bottom which bottom is opposite the port, withthe bottom walls of the recess spaced apart a smaller distance than thewalls of the recess adjacent the port. The pressure testing device has amating profile with opposing faces of the device inclined toward the alongitudinal flow path through the fitting and with the opposing facesbeing angled in opposing directions at about 15 degrees relative to theaxis of insertion, which insertion axis is perpendicular to thelongitudinal flow path through the fitting and pipeline. Advantageously,the walls at the top of the fluid passage by the port are spaced apart adistance that is about the nominal size of the pipe to about Vi inchsmaller than the nominal size of the pipe, and preferably about Vi inchsmaller than the inner diameter of the pipeline.

The pressure testing device has a circular portion that seals againstthe circular port using currently available seals and preferably usingO-ring seals between planar surfaces or between concentric surfaces inorder to seal the port. As noted above, the fitting has a recess openingto the port, the recess having two oppositely inclined walls throughwhich the fluid flow path passes through the fitting. The pressuretesting device fits into the recess to block flow through the fittingand seals against at least one of the walls using an O-ring thatencircles the flow path, preferably on the upstream side of the fitting.An annular rib or another sealing ring on the downstream side abuttingthe opposing inclined wall urges the upstream O-ring seal into sealingengagement.

The pressure testing device preferably has an externally opening recessinto which a dual valve assembly is inserted to block or unblock a flowpath through the pressure testing device, which flow path is optionallynot straight but which can place the upstream and downstream portions ofthe pipeline in fluid communication. The dual valve assembly isexternally accessible and preferably has a threaded end adapted tofasten to a garden hose. The dual valve assembly is connected to thepressure testing device and optionally provides four fluid flowcombinations. Advantageously the first valve moves within a recess inthe pressure testing device to block or permit flow along a first fluidpath extending between opposing faces of the pressure testing fitting,within the flow path of the fitting. A second valve allows flow along asecond fluid path in the pressure testing device, through the firstvalve, from inside the fluid path to outside the fitting. When the firstand second valves are both in a first, closed position, flow through thepressure testing device and fitting are blocked for pressure testing ofthe pipeline. When the first and second valves are both in a second,open position, flow through the fitting flow path, into the fittingthrough the valves, and out through the valves are not blocked, forquickly releasing pressure from the pipeline. When the first valve isopen and the second valve is closed, flow through the fitting flow pathis allowed for releasing pressure only through the pipeline. When thefirst valve is closed and the second valve is open, flow into or out ofthe fitting through the valves is allowed, for pressurizing the pipelinethrough the testing device, for pressure testing. There is thus provideda pressure testing device with four flow combinations to providemultiple drain, fill and flow options in a compact assembly.

The first valve is preferably a tubular stem valve and the second valveis advantageously a rotary valve, preferably a cylindrical rotary valve.The first valve controls flow through a first fluid passage betweenopposing sides or faces of the testing device. The second valve controlsfluid flow along a second flow path through the testing device frominside the fitting to outside the fitting. Advantageously, at least aportion of the first valve can be moved within a recess in the testdevice to allow flow through the pressure testing device within thefitting, and preferably the first valve rotates as it translates withinthe testing device between open and closed positions. The rotary valveis preferably on the tubular valve stem, with both valves being manuallyoperable from outside the fitting and outside the pressure testingdevice, but with the stem valve being seated within the flow path of thefitting.

When the pressure testing device is removed after testing, then a finishdevice is inserted into the fitting. The sealing device has a shapesimilar to the pressure testing device but has a ring shaped portionthat encircles the flow path through the fitting and fills any recesssufficiently to provide a smooth or substantially continuous flow paththrough the fitting. The sealing device has a circular portion thatseals against the circular port using commonly available seals andpreferably using O-ring seals between planar surfaces or betweenconcentric surfaces in order to seal the port. The sealing device mateswith the recess in the fitting to provide a smooth flow path.

There is also provided a pipeline pressure testing assembly having afitting defining a flow path and having a port on a wall of the fittinginto which a pressure testing device is removably inserted along acentral axis of the port for pressure testing of the pipeline. The portis circular, larger than the interior diameter of the pipeline andlocated at or slightly above the walls of the tube forming the flow paththrough the fitting. The fitting has a recess encircling the flow pathand opening to the port to receive the testing and sealing devices, orthe recess at least partially encircles the flow path depending on howone views the intersection of the opening formed by the port with theflow path through the fitting. The recess is formed by two opposingwalls inclined relative to the central axis of the recess so thepressure testing device wedges into the recess to block flow through thefitting like a gate valve. Advantageously, the recess walls at the topof the fluid passage by the port are spaced apart a distance that isabout the nominal size of the pipe to about Vi inch smaller than thenominal size of the pipe, and preferably about Vi inch smaller than theinner diameter of the pipeline.

The pressure testing device uses a convenient shape and size for theopening or port in the fitting, such that, in conjunction with theremovable parts discussed herein, easy and repeatable access is providedthrough the port into the interior of the piping system. This access maybe used for inspection of the pipe interior or as an entry point forstandard tools. A key use for this access is as a pipe cleanout, throughwhich tools such a plumbing “snake” that is about the same size as theinner diameter as the pipeline, may be used to remove debris or blockagefrom the piping system. Further, it may be used for devices such asinspection cameras, pressure gauges or other measurement devices, toperform other maintenance, or for such other purposes as may befacilitated by the invention.

An additional useful aspect of the invention is that the design of thefitting and associated components allows the invention to be assembled,disassembled and operated completely or substantially without hardwarefasteners or additional tools, except as may optionally be required forattaching the fitting to the rest of the piping system, in accordancewith the usual techniques of the job.

An additional advantage is that, because it combines both apressure-test device and a cleanout access in the same fitting, it canpotentially reduce the number of fittings required in the piping system.For example, in a building plumbing system, the usual method is toinstall several “test tee” fittings of the traditional type, plus asmaller number of dedicated “cleanout” fittings. The present inventionmakes it possible to combine the test and cleanout functions in a singlefitting in specific locations as desired and therefore make the separate“cleanout” fittings redundant and unnecessary.

An additional useful aspect of the invention, in comparison with someother devices, is that the shape of the fitting preserves the strengthinherent in the closed cylindrical shapes of the pipe interface ends andthe test/cleanout access opening. Other existing art uses shapes andforms which, for example, present as wedge-shaped cuts into thecylindrical shape of the pipe fitting as shown in U.S. Pat. No.7,325,442, and that can induce local weakening and distortion of thefitting and failure of the complex seals not only on the fitting but onadjoining pipelines segments. This can be of particular significance,for example, when using a fitting formed of plastic within a heavy castiron piping system, where the Fitting must bear some of the weight ofthe metal pipe.

A further useful aspect of the invention is that it uses a threadedrotational valve for initial pressure relief instead of one which relieson sliding friction and an interference fit. A sliding interference fitcan be easily subject to sticking and jamming, and can require highinitial forces to activate unless under continuous lubrication, which isnot the case with a valve of the present design.

A still further useful aspect of the invention is that, in comparison tothe narrow openings and crevices and sliding components of some otherdevices, it provides for open and easy access to the valve interior andthe sealing surfaces. This applies to the fitting surfaces as well as tothe components, such as the pressure testing fitting and the removabletubular stem valve. This is important for cleaning and maintenance ofthe device/invention, which is intended for multiple uses and which issubject to contamination by dirt and debris in the daily workenvironment.

Yet another useful aspect of the invention is that, in some embodiments,it can employ replaceable seal devices, such as planar O-rings, whichare standard and readily available to the end user of the pressuretesting devices for easy field repair if required.

There is thus advantageously provided a pressure testing assembly forpipelines having a dual valve assembly. The assembly includes a fittinghaving walls defining a flow path through the fitting and a portdefining a circular opening and located on one side of the fitting. Theport opening is large enough for a cleanout device. The fitting haswalls defining a recess around the flow path and opening onto the portand the recess is configured to allow the cleanout device to enter thefitting flow path. A test device is configured to fit into the recessand form a fluid tight seal with at least one wall of the recess forpressure testing. The test device has an opening on an upstream anddownstream side of the device with the upstream and downstream openingsbeing in fluid communication. A dual valve assembly is located in thetest device and has a first and second valve with an end of the valveassembly being externally accessible to operate both valves. The firstvalve is in fluid communication with the upstream and downstreamopenings to open and close fluid flow through the upstream anddownstream openings. The first valve has a fluid flow path therethroughin fluid communication with the second valve. The second valve has afluid flow path therethrough having an end located outside the fitting.The second valve opens and closes fluid flow to the end located outsidethe fitting.

An additional useful aspect of the invention in comparison to some otherdevices is that the initial pressure relief is very leak proof in thatthere are no leaks to the exterior of the testing device, allowing thetest environment to remain completely dry. This is achieved by sealsinternal to the tubular stem valve and by the controlled manner ofrotary valve activation and the depth of the fluid flow path within thetesting device. Similar devices which use inflated balls or slidingvalve components, even though they may do a reasonable job of minimizingleakage, are subject to emitting sprays and drips, especially if theinterior of the pressure test device has become clogged or dirty, or ifinsufficient lubrication has been applied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodimentsdisclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the followingdescription and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like partsthroughout, and in which:

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a cleanout fitting with apressure testing device;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pressure testing device inserted inthe cleanout fitting of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the pressure testing device fastenedinto an alternative cleanout fitting with a fluid tube connected to thetesting device;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pressure testing deviceand dual valve assembly;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along section 3-3 ofFIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4A is a sectional view showing the dual valve allowing flow throughthe fitting and through the testing device within the fitting;

FIG. 4B is a sectional view showing the dual valve blocking flow throughthe fitting and testing device;

FIG. 4C is a sectional view showing the dual valve allowing flow throughthe fitting and testing device both inside the fitting and to theoutside of the fitting;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the dual valve stem assembly;

FIG. 6A is a sectional view taken along 6-6 of FIG. 5 , with the rotaryvalve closed;

FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along 6-6 of FIG. 5 , with the rotaryvalve open;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a fitting with female ends as shown inFIG. 1A;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the fitting of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a sectional view of the fitting of FIG. 7A taken in the planeformed by axes 14 and 17;

FIG. 7D is a top view of the fitting of FIG. 7A along axes 17, showingthe open port or mouth of the port and internal recess;

FIG. 7E is an end view of the fitting of FIG. 7D, with the other endview being a mirror image;

FIG. 7F is a bottom view of the fitting of FIG. 7E;

FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a retaining ring as shown in FIG.1A;

FIG. 8B is a back perspective view of the retaining ring shown in FIG.8A;

FIG. 8C is a side sectional view the retaining ring shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a bottom view the retaining ring shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8E is a side view the retaining ring shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C;

FIG. 9A is a side view of the pressure testing assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 9B is a top view of the pressure testing assembly of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a bottom view of the pressure testing assembly of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9D is a right side view of the pressure testing assembly of FIG.9A;

FIG. 9E is a left side view of the pressure testing assembly of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of a fitting with a sealing device inplace;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a sealing deviceretaining ring and fitting;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the sealing device of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 12B is a front view of the sealing device of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C is a side view of the sealing device of FIG. 12B;

FIG. 12D is a sectioned perspective view of the sealing device of FIG.12A;

FIG. 12E is a top plan view of the sealing device of FIG. 12C;

FIG. 13A is a sectional view of a cast iron fitting with inserts;

FIG. 13B is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the fitting shown in FIG.13A;

FIG. 15A is an exploded perspective view of the fitting of FIG. 13A witha unitary insert;

FIG. 15B is a cross sectional view of the fitting of FIG. 15A with theinsert in position for use;

FIG. 16A is an exploded perspective view of a single sided seal on atesting assembly facing in the direction of fluid flow;

FIG. 16B is an exploded perspective view of the a testing assembly ofFIG. 16A facing in the opposite direction;

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the one sided pressure testing deviceshown in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17B is a front view of the pressure testing device of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 17C is a side view of the pressure testing device of FIG. 17B, withthe opposing side view being the mirror image thereof;

FIG. 17D is a back view of the pressure testing device of FIG. 17B;

FIG. 17E is a bottom plan view of the pressure testing device of FIG.17B;

FIG. 17F is a top plan view of the pressure testing device of FIG. 17B;

FIG. 17G is a section view taken along Section 17G-17G of FIG. 17F;

FIG. 18A is a sectional view of the test assembly of FIG. 16 with apressure testing device and no flow through the device;

FIG. 18B is a sectional view of the test assembly of FIG. 16 with apressure testing device and flow permitted through the device by afurther embodiment of the tubular stem valve;

FIG. 18C is a sectional view of the test assembly of FIG. 18B with apressure testing device and flow through the device blocked by thefurther embodiment of the tubular stem valve of FIG. 18B;

FIG. 19A is an exploded perspective view of the sealing device of FIG.17A and fitting along an upstream direction;

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the assembled parts shown in FIG. 18A;

FIG. 20A is an end view of the assembled parts of FIG. 19B;

FIG. 20B is a sectional view taken along section 20B-20B of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the sealing device of FIG. 16B;

FIG. 21B is a front plan view of the sealing device of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 21C is a right side plan view of the sealing device of FIG. 21B;

FIG. 21D is a left side plan view of the sealing device of FIG. 21B;

FIG. 21E is a top plan view of the sealing device of FIG. 21B;

FIG. 21F is a bottom plan view of the sealing device of FIG. 21B;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of atesting device of this invention;

FIG. 23 is an end view of the fitting of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the fitting of FIG. 22 along section24-24, showing a pressure testing device with a two position valve stem;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the fitting of FIG. 22 along section24-24, showing a sealing device of the type shown in FIG. 26 ; and

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the fitting of FIG. 22 with asealing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-9 , and especially FIGS. 1-4 , the plumbing fitting10 has at least one end, and preferably two opposing ends 12 a, 12 b,adapted to connect to an end of a pipelines or other conduit forpressure testing the line. The fitting 10 is advantageously made of apolymer, such as ABS or PVC plastic, although other materials could beused, including metal and cast iron. Typically the ends of the pipelinesare inserted into mating ends of the fitting as shown in FIGS. 1A and1B, although the fitting could abut the end(s) of the pipeline withflexible tubular seals clamped over abutting ends of the fitting 10 andpipeline 11 with hose clamps in order to hold the parts in alignment andto ensure the fluid seal as shown in FIG. 1C.

The fitting 10 has a longitudinal axis 14 along which fluid flows. Thefitting has as opening or port 16 into which an apparatus is inserted toregulate flow through the fitting. The fitting has exterior walls 18 andinterior walls 20. A fitting recess is formed in or by the interiorwalls 20, with the recess having opposing, inclined fitting walls 24 a,24 b that are separated and form a generally U shaped recess (viewedfrom the side) that is wider at the top at port 16 and narrower at thebottom opposite the port 16, although the opposing walls at the bottomof the recess are spaced apart. The fluid flow path 14 passes through anopening in these fitting walls 24 a, 24 b. Wall 24 a is located on theupstream side of fitting 10 along path 14, and wall 24 b is located onthe downstream side relative to wall 24 a.

The interior fitting walls 18 define a cylindrical flow path alonglongitudinal axis 14 through at least a portion of the fitting. The port16 is externally accessible, forming a circular opening around a centralaxis 17 that extends toward and preferably intersects the longitudinalaxis 14. The circular opening of the port 16 advantageously extendsalong central axis 17 for only a short distance and stops at thelocation of the outer or exterior tubular walls 18. The circular openingin the port 16 is advantageously larger than is the diameter of thepassageway formed by interior walls 18, which advantageously is the sameas the inner diameter of the pipeline.

A first part, referred to here as a test plug or test device 26 isremovably inserted into the port 16 of the fitting 10 to provide a fluidtight seal with mating recess surfaces 24 of the fitting 10 to allowpressure testing of the drain system upstream of the test device 26. Thetesting device is held in position by a retaining mechanism. A threadedretaining ring 30 is used in the illustrated embodiments. The ring 30has threads 29 a mating with corresponding threads 29 b on the port 16.Preferably the ring 30 has external threads on a flange that mate withinternal threads inside port 16. Acme threads or other high strengththreads are preferred for threads 29 a and 29 b. Advantageously theinner and/or outer peripheries of ring 30 are configured for engagementby a user's hands or by wrenches. The outer periphery of ring 30 isdepicted with recesses 32 a forming hand wrenching surfaces formed bycurved surfaces and rounded cusps, spaced to allow a user's fingers torotate the ring 30. The inner periphery of ring 30 has recesses 32 bcomprising rectangular recesses configured to engage channel locks orother wrenching tools. Other engaging surfaces could be used, includingknurled surfaces or wrenching surfaces. Other gripping or wrenchingshapes could be used on the retaining ring, including spokes, cogs,slots, pins, et. cet. to aid in gripping and turning manually or withtools. Retaining mechanisms could be used other than a threaded ring.

After testing is completed, the retaining ring 30 and test device 26 areremoved and a second device, referred to here as sealing device 28(FIGS. 11-12 ), is then inserted to seal the port 16 of the fitting 10in order to prevent fluid from escaping the port while allowing to flowthrough the fitting along the axis 14. The retaining ring 30 maintainsthe sealing device 26 in place. As noted, the fitting 10 and retainingring 30 are advantageously made of a polymer, preferably ABS or PVCplastic, although other materials could be used, including metal andcast iron. The retaining ring 30 could be made of metal, and could forma solid disc or cap if desired. The testing and sealing devices 26, 28may be also be made of ABS OR PVC plastic, but are preferably made ofpolypropylene or polyethylene which cannot be bonded by typical plasticpipe adhesive so as to avoid inadvertently gluing the devices to thefitting 10.

The fitting 10 preferably comprises a cylindrical tube extending alonglongitudinal axis 14 with the opening or port 16 opening onto a side ofthe fitting. The port 16 is has a circular interior portion, but variousexterior shapes could be used. The port 16 is advantageously, butoptionally formed in a cylindrical part so the fitting 10 generally hastwo cylindrical tubes intersecting at right angles. The depictedembodiment is a T fitting, but the port 16 can be located on an elbowfitting, a dead end fitting, an angle fitting, or other pipe joints.

The fitting 10 has a fitting recess 22 extending around the innercircumference of the flow path through the fitting 10 and opening intothe port 16, although depending on how one views the intersection of theport and flow path through the fitting, the fitting recess 22 could beviewed as encircling only a portion of the flow path. Preferably,though, it is viewed as encircling the flow path and extending aroundthe entire circumference of the flow path. The fitting recess isconfigured and located to receive the devices 26, 28, and the testingdevice 26 preferably forms a fluid tight seal with the fitting recesswhile the sealing device 28 preferably forms a substantially continuoussurface to provide a smooth flow passage through the fitting 10. Sincethe fitting recess opens into the port 16 the shape of the fittingrecess will typically blend together or overlap with part of the port16.

The fitting walls 24 are flat, having a generally V-shape or horseshoeshape with an elliptical opening through which the flow path 14 passes.The shape of the elliptical opening varies with the inclination of thefitting walls 24 relative to the flow path 14. The inclined fittingwalls 24 are flat to form a sealing surface with the devices 26, 28 asdiscussed later, and there is enough space between the opening for thefluid passage and the walls of the fitting for a seal as describedlater.

The fitting walls 24 a, 24 b at the top of the recess 22 by port 16 arespaced apart a distance that is at least large enough to allow passageof a ball or sphere that is about Vi inch smaller than the nominaldiameter of the pipeline to which the fitting 10 is connected. Thediameter of the interior walls 20 adjacent the port 16 preferably havethe same interior diameter as that of the pipeline. A spacing as largeas the nominal pipe diameter or as large as the diameter of interiorwalls 20 could be used. The walls at the bottom of the fitting recess,opposite the port 16, are spaced apart a distance sufficient to allowthe described ball to enter and pass through the flow path through thefitting and enter the pipeline. Once the dimension to accommodatepassage of the described ball is accommodated, the inclination offitting walls 24 a, 24 b can be varied to accommodate varying degrees ofwedging with the mating walls of the devices 26, 28, making it more easyor difficult to insert and remove those devices because of friction andwedging. Fitting walls 24 inclined at an angle of about 15 degrees to aplane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 14 during use, are believedsuitable.

The port 16 is larger than the pipe diameter so the tops of the walls 24at the circular port 16 form chords across the circular port. The topsof the walls 24 form opposing flats 34 a, 34 b having a curved sidebounded by the port 16 and a flat side bounded by the inclined fittingwalls 24 a, 24 b.

Around the periphery of the flats 34 is a flat shoulder or ledge 36 thatis slightly offset outward from axis 14 and flats 34. The shoulder 34forms a sealing surface for a sealing ring 38, such and O-ring or D-ringthat is urged against the shoulder 34 by retaining ring 30 to seal theport 16. Typically, a lip or flange on one of the devices 26, 28 isinterposed between the retaining ring 30 and the sealing ring 38 asdiscussed later.

The inclined fitting walls 24 form a fitting recess that is larger atthe location where the test device 26 is inserted at port 16 and issmaller at the side of the fitting 10 opposite the port 16. The sides ofthe test device 26 and sealing device 28 that face the flow path throughthe fitting 10 are preferably straight, and preferably slightly taperedto form a wedge fit with the fitting recess in the fitting. Such devices26, 28 would thus have two opposing flat sides in the flow channelthrough the fitting which flat sides are joined by two opposing curvedor flat sides. But the devices 26, 28 could be circular in cross-section(FIGS. 15A, 16, 17, 19A, 19B) and thus have a conical shape with acurved surface in the flow path through the fitting 10 and a curvedsurface in the fitting recess. In other variations the testing device 26and to a lesser extent the sealing device 28 are paddle shaped with moreparallel walls in the flow channel or at least the bottom half of theflow channel, as in FIGS. 22-26 .

The use of a cylindrical port 16 as shown and described herein allowssimpler seals and parts to be used. Preferably a ring seal 38 (e.g.,O-ring, D-ring) can be used and is clamped between a planar surface onthe fitting and a mating surface on the test device 26 or sealing device28, and is advantageously held in sealing compression by retaining ring30. The test device 26 is preferably a sliding type\ of valves, such asgate valves

Main fitting 10 is provided for insertion into a pipeline, such as thewater line of a house or building, or a sewage drain system, so as toallow fluid to flow through the fitting 10 and the line. The fitting 10is shown as a straight fitting with a longitudinal axis 14 therethroughalong the center of the flow path through the fitting, but the fittingcould be of various shapes and types, including a Y-fitting, an elbowfitting, a reducing fitting, a narrowing fitting or an enlargingfitting. The opening or port 16 is advantageously sized to act as acleanout port or fitting.

The fitting 10 has opening or port 16 configured to sealingly receivetesting device 26. The port 16 can have various shapes, but is shownwith a circular opening or port 16 that extends through a wall 18 of themain fitting 10. The wall 18 has an exterior side 18 and an interiorside 20 that are generally parallel and typically form a tube. The port16 can be at various locations and orientations on the fitting 10, butis described here and shown in FIGS. 1-2 as being located on the topside of the fitting and perpendicular or orthogonal to the longitudinalflow axis 14 through the fitting 10. The top refers to the upwarddirection that is away from the ground and opposing gravity while thebottom or downward direction refers to a direction toward the ground andalong the direction of gravity.

The fitting recess is preferably formed partially in the interior wall20 or formed by the interior wall 20 of the fitting 10, or it could beformed in a raised area or boss (not shown) inside the fitting. Thefitting recess can have various shapes that mate with shape of thedevices 26, 28. Because the recess receives the devices 26, 28 that aretapered so they wedge into the fitting recess, the recess iscorrespondingly shaped relative to the devices 26, 28. Looking into themouth of the port 16, the fitting recess adjacent the port has curvedwalls conforming to the circular opening of the port 16. Toward thebottom of the fitting recess opposite the port 16, the recess narrows toa generally rectangular or trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, with thewalls along the flow-path being inclined. The fitting recess thus formsa groove (typically of non-constant cross-sectional shape) in the insidewalls of the fitting 10 extending away from or outward of thelongitudinal axis 14, and opening toward the axis 14. Viewed along theflow path 14, the fitting recess has a general U shape or horseshoeshape. The fitting recess can be centered about centerline 14, but ispreferably offset slightly in a direction away from port 16 so that itextends slightly further into the wall 18 opposite the port in order toform a crescent shaped debris trap opposite the port 16 to allow debristo collect in that portion of the recess.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9 , the test device 26 has a circular top 40 withan exterior side 42 a and interior side 42 b. Optionally, there is anorientation indicator 43 (FIG. 2 ) on the exterior surface 42 a locatedon the side of the device 26 that is to face upstream along path or axis14. A notch, arrow, projection or label may be used for indicator 43.Preferably there is a stepped circular flange forming a shoulder 44 onthe interior side 42 b. The sealing ring 38 is placed in this notch orshoulder 44 to form a planar sealing surface.

The testing device 26 has a tapered body depending from the top 40, withtwo opposing, inclined, flat faces 46 a, 46 b with face 46 a facingupstream during use and face 46 b facing downstream during use relativeto flow path 14. The faces 46 a, 46 b are inclined at about 15 degreesrelative to a center axis orthogonal to top 40. Viewed along axis 14,the faces 46 have a generally U shape or horseshoe shape. The top of thefaces 46 a form a chord with the inward facing or interior surface 42 bof the top 40. Optionally, the upstream face 46 a is marked with visibleindicia 47 sufficient to readily notify the user which face of thetesting device 26 is the pressure or upstream side. In the depictedembodiment the upstream side 46 a has the words “pressure side” printedon, or more preferably molded into, upstream face 46 a.

Advantageously, but optionally, a groove (not labeled) in the upstreamface 46 a receives a sealing ring 48, such as an O-ring or D-ring orother sealing ring. The sealing ring 48 is located to encircle the flowpath through the fitting 10 and seal against the mating wall 24 a of thefitting recess. Sealing ring 48 and wall 24 a provide a face sealencircling the flow path through the fitting 10. The sealing ring 48 isadvantageously a discrete part, but it could be formed integrally withupstream face 46 a. Further, a plurality of concentrically locatedsealing rings 48 could be used, depending on the amount of sealingsurface available between fitting walls 24 and face(s) 46 a, 46 b.

A circular rib 50 (FIG. 3 ) on downstream face 46 b is located oppositethe groove and sealing ring 48 to abut downstream wall 24 b during use.The rib 50 is preferably circular and of a diameter like that of sealingring 48 but located on an oppositely inclined face 46. The rib 50 issized to about adjacent wall 24 b to urge the sealing ring 48 againstthe wall 24 a to provide a fluid tight lead. A rib 50 that is 20-30thousandths of an inch high is believed sufficient. The rib 50 ispreferably formed integrally with the device 26, as by simultaneouslycasting of plastic. The rib 50 is preferably continuous, but could beintermittent, and could take the form of a ridge, shelf or bump on thedownstream face 46 b. In place of rib 50, other displacement devicescould be used, including forming a groove (not shown) in the downstreamface 46 b and placing a sealing ring or displacement ring into thatgroove to provide the desired sealing force of the ring seal 48 againstthe wall 24 b of fitting recess. Whatever mechanism is selected,sufficient sealing force is applied to maintain seal 48 against the wall24 b during pressure testing to keep leaks to an acceptable level, andpreferably to block all leakage past seal 48.

Referring to FIG. 2 , oppositely inclined faces 46 are held apart bysidewalls and strengthened by one or more plates 52. The plates 52preferably extend between interior surfaces of the faces 46 a, 46 b.Three plates 52 are shown aligned with the flow path along axis 14during use, but other orientations or combinations of orientations canbe used. A sidewall 54 joins the periphery of the faces 46 a, 46 b toform an enclosed wedge shape. At the distal end of the testing device 54(opposite the port 16) the sidewall 54 may be thought of as an end orend wall. Flat portions 56 join the top of each face 46 a, 46 b to theadjacent circular top 40. The flat portions 56 each have a circular edgeformed by top 40 and a straight portion formed by faces 46 a or 46 b.The flat portions 56 can be considered part of the top 40. The sidewall54 is preferably curved, but could have other shapes, including a flatsurface parallel to the longitudinal axis 14. The radius of curvature ofsidewall 54 advantageously matches the curvature of the circular top 40or is concentric therewith. Whatever external shape the device body 26takes, the mating walls of the fitting 10 and fitting recess and recessfitting walls 24 are preferably configured to conform to that same shapeso that the testing device 26 can wedge into the fitting recess to forma fluid tight seal and block flow through the fitting 10. It is believedpossible, but not preferable, to have the wedging of the testing device26 between inclined fitting walls 24 and faces 46 be sufficient toprovide a fluid tight seal and flow blockage sufficient for testing,without using the ring seal 48 and/or without using the wedging of thedevice 26 in fitting recess 22. The wedging of the device 26 in thefitting recess helps resist removal and may cooperate with the fittingwalls 24 and faces 48 to provide a fluid tight seal without the need forsealing ring 48, but that is also less desirable than using the sealingring.

A tube 60 is formed in the testing device 26 extending down the centerof the device in a plane that is preferably orthogonal to the axis 14during use. The tube 60 ends before the bottom of the testing device 26.As used herein, the top of the testing device 26 refers to a directiontoward top 40, and the bottom refers to the opposite direction towardthe narrower portion that is inserted the furthest into fitting 10during use. An opening 62 is formed in the upstream face 46 a and opensinto the tube 60 and a downstream opening 64 is formed in the downstreamface 46 b and also opens into the tube 60. The downstream opening 64 ispreferably (but optionally) below or further away from top 40 than isthe upstream opening 62. The openings 60, 62 are both within the sealingring 48 and within the fluid flow path through the fitting 10 duringuse. Advantageously the openings 60, 62 are each recesses in therespective faces 46 a, 46 b.

The upstream opening 60 preferably takes the general form of box shapethat is open on the upstream side with the bottom of the tube 60 openingonto the top wall 66 of the upstream recess through a first conicalvalve seat 68 formed in part of the top wall 66. The downstream opening64 is also advantageously a general box shape and is shown being locatedabove the upstream recess 62 with the bottom of the recess 62 containingthe valve seat 68. The top wall 66 of upstream recess 62 is thus part ofthe bottom wall of downstream recess 64. The recesses 62, 64 form aroughly Z shaped or offset flow path through the testing device 26 asshown in FIGS. 4A-4C. Advantageously, the walls forming the recesses oropenings 62, 64 are slightly funnel shaped and wider at the faces 46 a,46 b and narrower toward the valve seat 68. The walls defining theopenings 62, 64 and valve seat 68 are preferably sized and configured sothat a cigarette butt can pass through the openings and valve seat undera pressure of about 5 psi. Most cigarette butts are about 1.3 incheslong by .about 3 inches in diameter, or slightly smaller. Recess wallsdefining an upstream opening 62 that is about 1.3 inches wide and 0.9inches high a the upstream face 46 a, with a valve seat 68 about 0.9inches diameter, and a downstream opening 64 that is about 0.6 incheshigh and over 1 inch wide at the downstream face 46 b, are believedsuitable.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, the downstream recess 64 is preferably locatedabove the recess 62 relative to the port 16 (port 16 being in the updirection). This orientation allows more fluid to drain if the pipe 11is in the horizontal orientation.

A portion of the downstream recess 64 extends to the distal end of thetesting device 26 with the innermost wall being curved to form a portionof valve seat 68, and the opposing side of that curved wall forming theback wall of the upstream recess 62 but curved in the oppositedirection. But that curved interior back wall may not extend to thedownstream face 46 b, so that the recessed walls forming downstreamopening 64 extend to the distal end and into the end or sidewall 54. Ifso, the recessed walls forming downstream opening 64 interrupts the rib50 and prevents it from being completely circular in shape. A raisedsurface such as a curved flange may be formed to allow an uninterruptedand continuous rib 50 to encircle the entire periphery of the downstreamface 46 b. Since the rib 50 helps urge seal ring 48 against walls 24 a,the size of the rib 50 may need to be increased to maintain the sealingpressure if the recess forming opening 64 extends through the rib 50.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 , the inside of tube 60 has interior threads70. The tube 60 is aligned to be concentric with valve seat 68, or viceversa. The tube 60 has an exterior end that is preferably edged withinclined ratchet teeth 72. The valve seat 68 is in fluid communicationwith both upstream and downstream openings 62, 64 depending on theposition of the valve stem 74 and valve member 90. The inner wall oftube 60 can form part of the back wall of the recess defining the upper,downstream facing opening 64.

A tubular stem valve 74 is provided to selectively open and close fluidflow through recesses 62 and/or 64. Referring to FIGS. 4-6 , the tubularstem valve 74 is shown as an elongated tube having a central fluid flowpath, with external bib fitting threads 76 on an external end so a hosebib can be fastened to the tubular stem valve 74. The tubular valve stemhas intermediate external threads 78 located to threadingly engageinterior threads 70 on the tube 60. Single lead, ACME threads arepreferred, but other thread types and leads may be used depending on theholding strength and rate of valve opening and closing desired. Awrenching surface 80 and opposing, manually grippable tabs 82 arelocated on an external end of the tubular stem valve 74, so the tubularvalve stem body can be rotated manually. The grippable tabs 82 could belocated on the tube 60 or other portions of the test device 26 and couldtake other shapes configured to be manually gripped or engaged by toolsto insert and remove the testing device 26 into or from the fitting 10.A second valve, advantageously a rotary valve and preferably acylindrical, rotary valve 84 is on the externally accessible portion ofthe tubular stem valve 74, and is shown as located in the same plane asthe tabs 82, but offset 90 degrees. Advantageously the valve 84 fitsinto the body of tubular stem valve 74. Valve types other than thedepicted rotary valve 84 can be used, including a gate valve, ballvalve, etc. The rotary valve 84 is described in more detail later.

Rotating the rotary valve 84 a quarter turn blocks or unblocks flowthrough the tubular stem valve 74 to allow fluid to flow through thevalve 84. A retaining ring or collar 86 is located adjacent the tabs 82to limit the axial movement of the tubular valve stem 74 into thetesting device 26 and to prevent removal of the valve 86 from thetesting device 26. The collar 86 can be a flange fastened to or moldedwith the valve stem 74, but is preferably a segmented part selectivelyfastened along the length of the valve stem 74. The collar 86 preferablyhas ratchet teeth 88 located and configured to mate with teeth 72 ontube 60 to selectively fix the position of the collar 86 and valve 74relative to the tube 60. The collar 86 has a hole through which thetubular stem valve 74 extends and the size of that hole is smaller thana distal end of the tubular stem valve 74 so the tubular stem valve 74cannot pass through the collar 86. The collar 86 advantageously has anexternally threaded segment 87 a (FIG. 2 ) that mates with internalthreads 87 b inside the end of tube 60 to hold the collar in positionrelative to the tube 60 and testing device 26.

The tubular stem valve 74 has a first conical valve member 90 on itsdistal end which valve member 90 is configured to sealingly mate withconical valve seat 68. One or more seals 92, such as O-ring or D-ringseals encircle the tubular stem valve 74 and are configured to sealagainst the inside of tube 60 to restrict fluid flow along the length ofthe tubular body of valve 84. Advantageously, but optionally, a seal 92is located adjacent valve end 90. The valve stem 74 advantageously has alarger diameter ring portion 94 located to be above the downstreamrecess 64 when the valve end 90 is seated in the valve seat 68, in orderto restrict fluid flow between the inside of tube 60 and valve stem 74above the downstream recess 64. The raised portion 94 fits close to theinside of the tube 90 at the top of the downstream recess 64 to restrictfluid flow through the tube 60 toward the outside of the fitting. Theraised portion 94 is preferably adjacent ring seal 92, andadvantageously comprises a pair of raised annular flanges or shouldersencircling the outer periphery of tube 74, located on opposing sides ofring seal 92 to form a recess into which the sealing ring 92 fits inorder to help position or stabilize the seal 92.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 , in use the testing device 26 is inserted intofitting recess in fitting 10 which is fastened to a pipeline. Retainingring 30 screws onto fitting 10 to squeeze sealing ring 38 between therespective shoulders 36, 44 on the retaining ring and fitting,respectively. Retaining ring 30 allows adjustable tightening to stopleakage. Flats 56 on the testing device abut the corresponding flats 34in the fitting in order to limit the insertion of the testing deviceinto the fitting 10, but this is optional.

A water hose bib (or air connection) can be connected to threads 76 toprovide water (or air) for pressure testing the pipeline, oralternatively to guide off drain water (or air) after testing isstopped. The tubular stem valve 74 can be rotated by tabs 82 orwrenching surface 80, with threads 70, 78 engaging to advance the valvemember or valve end 90 along the length of the tubular stem valve 74against and into sealing engagement with valve seat 68 to open or closea first fluid flow path through recesses 62, 64 and valve seat 68 whichplace the upstream and downstream sides of the fitting in fluidcommunication when the testing device 26 is in position. The rotaryvalve 84 can be rotated to open or close a second fluid flow paththrough the tubular stem valve 74 which places the flow path through thefitting 10 in fluid communication with the outside of the fitting, andvice versa.

The dual valves 74, 84 provide four flow combinations, three of whichare shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. The first tubular valve 74 moves within arecess 60 in the pressure testing device 26 to block or permit flowalong a first fluid path extending between opposing faces 46 a, 46 b ofthe pressure testing device, located within the flow path of the fitting10. The first fluid flow path is through recess 62, valve seat 70 andrecess 64, or vice versa depending on flow and pressure conditions. Thesecond valve, rotary valve 84, allows flow along a second fluid paththrough the tubular stem valve 74, from inside the fluid flow path tooutside the fitting 10, or vice versa depending on the flow and pressureconditions. When the first and second valves 74, 84 are both closed asshown in FIG. 4B, flow through the pressure testing device 26 andfitting 10 are blocked for pressure testing of the pipeline. When thefirst and second valves 74, 84 are both open as shown in FIG. 4C, flowthrough the fitting flow path along axis 14, into the fitting 10,through the valves 74, 84, and out through the valves 74, 84 are notblocked, and allows one to more quickly release pressure from thepipeline or to drain the pipeline without removing the testing device26. When the first valve 74 is open and the second valve 84 is closed asshown in FIG. 4A, flow through the fitting flow path along axis 14 isallowed and that releases pressure and drains fluid only through thepipeline. When the first valve 74 is closed (FIG. 4B) and the secondvalve 84 is open (FIG. 4C), flow into or out of the fitting 10 throughboth of the valves 74, 84 is allowed, and that can pressurize thepipeline through the testing device 26 for pressure testing, or it canrelease pressure to the outside of the fitting 10. There is thusprovided a pressure testing device with four flow combinations toprovide multiple drain, fill and flow options in a compact assembly.

With the tubular stem valve 74 in that first closed position and withthe second rotary valve 84 in a first, closed position, the seal 92,valve end 90 and valve seat 68 prevent fluid from passing throughupstream recess 62 if the rotary 84 is in a first, closed position. Ifthe rotary valve 84 is in a second, open position, then fluid can passfrom the external end of the tubular stem valve 74 into the upstreamrecess 62 and the upstream portion of the fitting and pipeline.

The tubular valve stem 74 can be rotated by threads 78 away from aclosed position where the valve member 90 seals against the valve seat70 so that fluid flows through the upstream recess 62, into the tube 60along the tubular stem valve 74 and out the downstream recess 64. Thefurther the valve stem 74 is retracted toward the downstream recess 64the more open the first fluid flow passage through recesses 62, 64 andvalve seat 70 will be. By putting the rotary valve 84 in its first,closed position all fluid flow will be through the upstream anddownstream recesses 62, 64 as the rotary 84 and seal 90 block flowthrough the tube 60 and valve stem 74. Gradual release of testingpressure is achieved by rotating the valve stem 74 and unseating themating end 90 from seat 68 and unblocking the downstream recess 64.Faster release can be achieved by rotating rotary 84 so fluid flows outof the valve stem 74.

After pressure testing is completed, the testing device 26 is removed byremoving retaining ring 30. The handles 82 and valve stem 74 provide amanually grippable handle to pull out the testing device 26 which iswedged into the fitting recess.

The recesses 62, 64, and the opening formed by valve seat 68 whichplaces the recesses in fluid communication, are preferably large enoughto allow rapid fluid release when the tubular stem valve 74 is opened,and are also preferably large enough to minimize trapping of debriswhich may accumulate during assembly, test, or use.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12 , the sealing device 28 is then inserted intothe fitting recess and retaining ring 30 fastened to seal the device 28to the fitting. The sealing device 28 covers the entire opening formedby port 16 to block flow out of the port, and it has a part filling therecess 22 in the fitting 10. Advantageously the sealing device has anannular ring 110 sized to fit inside and close to the walls defining thecircular opening of port 16. The retaining ring 30 fastens to thefitting 10 or port 16 to hold the sealing device 28 in position. Thering 110 may have a reduced diameter portion forming a shoulder locatedto engage ring seal 38 on the port 16. FIG. 12 shows the ring 38abutting the lower or bottom side of the ring 110 and abutting thatshoulder. A hollow body portion 116 depends from the ring 110.

The body portion 116 (FIG. 12 ) has a cylindrical recess formed byinterior walls 118, with the diameter selected to correspond to thediameter of the adjacent interior walls 20 of fitting 10 to provide arelatively smooth flow path through the fitting. The body portion 116has a side 120 (corresponding to sides 54) extending from opposingundersides of ring 110 and configured to fit into fitting recess. Theupstream and downstream edges of the side 120 form walls 122 a, 122 b,respectively. The walls 122 form a generally U shaped or horseshoeshaped surface, with a circular hole. The sealing device 28 resembles alarge finger ring with a flat ring surface 110 when seen from the bottomor sides. A tight fit of the side 120 and walls 122 with the fittingrecess is not required. The walls 122 join the ring 110 to form cords onthe circular ring 110. Flats 124 have a straight side formed by thejuncture with the straight walls 122 and having a curved side formed bythe circular ring. The flats 124, together with the ring 110 and top orexterior portion 118 e of the wall 118, completely extend across theport 16 to block fluid flow out the port.

As desired, stiffening plates 126 (FIG. 12 ) may be used to ensure thering 110 is sufficiently strong. One plate 126 is shown extendingorthogonal to axis 14 through the center of the ring 110. A cylindricalboss 128 is optionally formed at the center of the ring 116, extendingfrom the wall 118. A hole 130, preferably about ⅛ to 14 inch diameter isformed in the boss 128. The hole 130 can receive threaded fasteners tohold a decorative plate (not shown) to cover the exterior surface of thering 110 and conceal from view the non-flat surface contained within thering 110 in order to present a more aesthetic appearance. Advantageouslythe cover has a plastic interior with a metal exterior and is configuredso that no plastic portions of the fitting 10 or of the sealing device28 are visible. Preferably, the decorative cover forms a service accesscover blocking holes through any walls and concealing unattractiveportions of the plumbing from view.

The fitting 10, testing device 26, the body of valve 74, rotary 84 andsealing device 28 are all preferably molded of a suitable polymermaterial. ABS or PVC plastic is believed suitable. As used herein,“integral” means that each part is molded entirely at once, with allportions molded simultaneously rather than molding parts separately andjoining them together.

The port 16, test device 26 and sealing device 28 are large enough thata ball that is preferably about 0.5 inches smaller than the nominaldiameter of the pipeline, up to a ball diameter that is about the samediameter or slightly larger than the inner walls 20 of the fitting 10,can be inserted through the port 16. The bottom of the faces 46 at theopenings of interior walls 20 are spaced apart a smaller distance, andmay be a distance of about 0.2 to 0.5 times the nominal diameter of thepipeline, and preferably a distance of about 0.3 times that diameter.The distances will vary with the inclination angle of the faces 46 a, 46b. But the spacing is desirably sufficient to allow a ball with theabove specified diameter to pass through the port 16 into the fluidpassageway to travel along axis 14.

The above described embodiment uses a single sealing ring 48, but therecould be two sealing rings, one on each face 46 a, 46 b, sealing withthe adjacent wall 24 a, 24 b, respectively. Two sealing surfaces allowsthe testing device 26 to be bi-laterally symmetric so that it can beinserted into the port 16 in either orientation and still seal well. Ifonly one sealing ring 48 is used on the upstream side, then the waterpressure from the upstream side can sometimes move the testing devicealong the axis 14 sufficiently to cause leakage on the upstream seal 48.By placing a sealing ring, or preferably a stiff rib 50 on thedownstream side, a substantially watertight seal can be maintained bythe upstream side of the device seal. Further, the surface of thetesting device 26 can itself form a fluid tight seal with the abuttingwall(s) 24 a, 24 b, as for example by tapering the device 26 relative tothe fitting recess and fitting walls 24 a, 24 b or engaging portions ofthe fitting 10 in order to form a wedge seal. This wedging effect toincrease the sealing force can also be advantageously used with sealingring 48. The sealing preferably prevents leakage around thecircumference of the flow path along axis 14 in fitting 10 when thetesting device 26 is completely inserted into the fitting 10 and engagesthe entire periphery of fitting recess.

The fitting 10 is mated with at least one end of a pipe in the pipeline.As depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, the ends 12 a, 12 b of the fitting 10advantageously form female pipe sockets (FIGS. 1A-1B) which areappropriately sized to receive the mating pipe ends of the pipeline,having a shoulder against which the ends of the pipeline abut.Advantageously, a recess 138 in this shoulder is provided to receivedebris or any excess adhesive if the fitting 10 is adhered to thepipeline. Alternatively, the pipe end could have female sockets and theends 12 comprise male fittings. Further, pipe ends could be other typesof fitting, adapters, or pipe ends which abut ends 12 and use othermechanisms to secure them in place. One such mechanism is shown in FIG.1C, where the ends 12 a, 12 b of the fittings are configured to abut theends of a pipeline, with a sealing tube 140, such as a strip ofelastomer (e.g., rubber) or a flexible tube of elastomer sized to fitover or bend around abutting ends of the fitting and pipeline. Hoseclamps 142 encircle the pipeline, fitting 12 and sealing tube to holdthe parts together. Such holding mechanisms are known in the art.Optionally, a raised tab 144 can be located adjacent the ends 12 a, 12 bof the fitting to indicate a suitable distance by which the sealing tube140 should overlap the ends 12 a, 12 b of the fitting 10 in order tocomply with applicable regulations.

The ends 12 may be mated and joined to the pipeline or plumbing fixturesin a sealing manner by any of a variety of known ways, such ascementing, soldering, threading, abutting, using packing rings, etc., asappropriate to the material of the parts being joined. Advantageouslythe pipe ends and fitting 10 are both made of a polymer, such as ABS(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plasticand can be adhesively bonded. The parts could be made of dissimilarmaterial or of cast iron, and joined by other ways suitable for joiningthe materials selected, including threads using pipe thread sealingcompounds or hub-less devices using clamps.

After at least one pipe end is joined to the fitting 10, if it isdesired to pressure test the joined pipeline, then the testing device 26is inserted into the port 16 so that the device 26 enters all portionsof the fitting recess and forms a fluid tight seal around thecircumference of the flow path along axis 14 through main fitting 10 toblock flow through the fitting 10. The retaining ring 30 fastens to thefitting 10 to hold the testing device in position during testing. Wateror other fluid passes through tubular stem valve 74 to pressurize theupstream side of the fitting 10 and any pipeline joined thereto to testfor leaks under pressure. The distal end of testing device 26advantageously does not abut the bottom of fitting recess, butpreferably leaves a gap comprising a debris trap so that any debris inthe fitting can be urged by gravity into the trap and thus avoidinterfering with proper fitting and sealing of the testing device 26.

When the testing is completed, the pressure in the line is released bymoving tubular valve stem 74 or, if the pressure is sufficiently low, bywholly or partially withdrawing the testing device 26 after the ring 30is loosened or removed. The small opening formed by flow through thevalve seat 68 when the valve end 90 of the tubular stem valve 74 isslightly retracted from the valve seat, relieves high pressure and helpsreduce the likelihood that the high pressure in the line will force thetesting device 26 out of the fitting 10 where it may injure someone.Further, the mating threads 29 on the retaining ring 30 and fitting 10engage to prevent the testing device 26 and its tubular stem valve 74from being violently expelled from the fitting by the pressure in theline.

The distal end of sealing device 28 also preferably ends before abuttingthe bottom of the fitting recess so as to leave a debris trap availableto collect debris and avoid any blockage that might prevent the sealingdevice 28 from aligning the opening formed by cylindrical walls 118 withthe interior of the passage through the fitting 10 as needed. Thesealing device 28 is preferably, but optionally, bilaterally symmetricso that it can be inserted into the port 16 and form a sealingengagement in either of two orientations. Flats 124 on the sealingdevice abut flats 34 in the fitting in order to limit the insertion ofthe sealing device into the fitting 10, but this is optional.

The sealing device 28 preferably but optionally, also provides apreconfigured flow surface on the inside of the fitting. Thepreconfigured flow surface defined by cylindrical interior wall 118 ispreferably shaped so that the interior flow passage of the fittingreduces the collection of debris from the fluid flowing through thefitting during use of the plumbing line. Advantageously it provides asubstantially continuous surface with no substantial recesses, cavitiesor protrusions, and especially provides a surface lacking suchdiscontinuities as would be prohibited under plumbing codes for suchpipelines.

If the fitting 10 is made of a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., PVC, ABS,etc.), then the testing device 26 is preferably in place when thefitting 10 is bonded to any of the adjacent pipeline in order to avoidany overflow of bonding adhesive from entering the fitting recess andinhibiting later entrance of the devices 26, 28 into and out of thatrecess. Preferably, the main fitting 10 is made of PVC or ABS, witheither or both of the testing device 26 and sealing device 28 being madeof a different material to make the adhesive bonding to the fitting 10more difficult. The testing device 26 and sealing device 28 are thuspreferably made of a material different from the fitting 10, andpreferably is made of a polymer such as EPDM or a polyethylene,polypropylene or nylon, that will not adhere to the fitting 10 withcommon pipe cements. This helps avoid accidentally gluing the testingdevice 26 or sealing device 28 in place. The devices 26, 28 can be cast,machined, injection molded, compression molded or blow molded, dependingon the materials used. Injection molded polymers are believedpreferable.

While the testing device 26, sealing device 28 and tubular stem valve 74are preferably molded integrally of a single material with the varioussealing surfaces 48, abutting surfaces 50 or recesses for receivingvarious sealing rings, one or more of them can also be molded around aninsert of metal or other material to provide additional strength andrigidity. This molding over a strengthening frame or insert can beparticularly useful as it allows the exterior mating surfaces of thetesting device 26 to be made of a resilient material that may readilyform a good seal with the abutting surfaces of the port 16 and fittingrecess. An EPDM material compression molded onto a steel insert isbelieved suitable, as is a TPE material overmolded onto a molded nyloninsert. Further, the fitting 10, testing device 26, sealing device 28and tubular stem valve 74 could be made of metal, and if so, the fittingis preferably made of cast iron.

The tubular stem valve 74 provides a fluid passage that may be used as afill and drain port in fitting 10. The fluid passage provides an openingextending from outside the fitting 10 to the inside of the fitting. Theinlet end at or adjacent threads 76 allows a fluid line to be coupled tothe tubular stem valve 74 to fill or drain the fitting 10 and anyattached pipeline. Threads 76 are shown and are preferably configured toreceive a garden hose, but other sizes and shapes of the inlet end couldbe used. The fluid passage extends through the tubular stem valve 74 andopens into the inside of the fitting 10 in the flow passage, throughvalve seat 68 that can be selectively placed in fluid communication withonly the upstream facing recess 62 in a first position, or both theupstream and downstream facing recesses 62, 64 in a second position.Actuation of the rotary valve 84 in combination with the tubular stemvalve 84 provide further fluid flow options as discussed herein.

The tubular valve stem 74 has a first position that blocks flow from thefirst upstream opening 62 to the second downstream opening 64 and asecond position that allows flow through the first and second openings62. 64. The tubular valve stem 74 has a fluid passage therethrough influid communication with the first opening 62. The second valve 84 is onthe tubular valve stem 74. The second valve 84 has a fluid outlet (e.g.,by threaded end 76) that is accessible externally of the testing device26 (and fitting 10). The second valve 84 is in fluid communication withthe fluid passage through the valve stem 74 and has a first positionallowing fluid flow through the tubular valve stem and through thesecond valve outlet as shown in FIG. 6B. The second valve 84 has asecond position blocking flow through the second valve outlet as shownin FIG. 6A.

Referring to FIG. 2 , FIGS. 5-6 and especially to FIG. 5 , the rotaryvalve 84 advantageously comprises a cylindrical body 96 sized to fit incylindrical recess 97 in the tubular valve stem 74. A through holepassing through opposing faces of the cylinder to form fluid passage 98.Ring seals 95, such as O-ring seals or D ring seals encircle theperiphery of opposing ends of the body portion 96 to seal with the wallsof recess 97. Further, two seals 99 are located on opposing sides of thebody 96 between the fluid passage 98 and offset 90 degrees from thefluid passage. Advantageously the seals 99 are 0 ring seals or D ringseals encircling a raised boss 100 and seated in a groove 101 encirclingand defining boss 100. A handle 102, shown as a flattened fingergrippable tab, extends from one end of the body 96. Notched tabs 103 canextend from the end of the body 98 opposite the handle 102. The tabs 103can fit through an opening in the end-wall 104 blocking one end ofrecess 97.

In use, the cylindrical body 96 fits into recess 97 of the valve stem 74with the handle 102 being externally accessible. The recess 97 isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem valve 74. Rotation ofthe handle 102 by 90 degrees aligns either the flow passage 98 or theboss 100 and seals 99 with the interior passage through the stem valve74 in order to allow passage through the rotary valve 84 and its passage98, or to block flow through the rotary valve 84 (via boss 100 and seals99).

The groove 101 and ring seals 99 are configured to better withstand thetesting pressure of the pipeline 11. While ring seals 99 are preferred,a taper on body 98 abutting tapered recess 97 could also be used to forma fluid tight seal. Further, instead of ring seals 99 in grooves 101,the seal 99 could take the form of a rib or raised surface on theexterior surface of cylinder body 96 configured to seal with the recess97.

The various ring seals 38, 48, 50, 92, 95, 99 advantageously abutopposing surfaces to form fluid tight seals blocking fluid flow past theseals. The various ring seals could be replaced with ribbed surfaces, ordiscrete seals could be replaced with flat, tapered surfaces to form thefluid tight seal.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6 , an optional membrane seal 106 mayoptionally be formed across the tubular flow path through tubular stemvalve 74, between the valve surface 90 and the rotary valve 84, so as toblock flow through that stem valve to the rotary valve 84. The membraneseal 106 advantageously comprises a thin wall molded integrally with andat the same time as the tubular valve stem 74. By passing a rod orscrewdriver through one end of the stem valve 74, the membrane seal 106could be opened or removed to allow flow through the tubular valve stemto the rotary valve 84. By making the membrane 106 thin at the juncturewith the inside of the tubular passageway inside the valve stem 74, themembrane 106 can become a knock-out membrane that is more easily removedin its entirety. Once the membrane seal 106 is broken it is not normallyresealed. It allows a simplified stem valve by allowing rotary valve 84to be removed or omitted. It also provides a redundant seal to rotaryvalve 84, thus allowing looser tolerances on the seals used in the valve84 when membrane seal 106 is in place and un-broken.

The fitting 10 and pipeline 11 are shown as a T fitting. But the fitting10 could be any conventional fitting shape, including a Y fitting, Lfitting, end fitting, etc. into which the cleanout functions and testingfunctions of the current invention can be adapted.

Referring to FIGS. 13-14 , a further embodiment of this invention isshown in which the previously described fitting 10 comprises a modifiedfitting 150 that is optionally, but typically, made of metal, such ascast iron. The fitting 150 has ends 12 a, 12 b configured to abut theadjoining pipeline 11 and to be joined as in FIG. 1C, rather than havingenlarged female ends as in FIGS. 1A-1B configured to receive the ends ofthe pipeline. The fitting 150 has a longitudinal axis 14, exterior andinterior walls 18, 20, port 16 preferably with internal threads, and hasrecess 22 with inclined walls 24 a, 24 b and flats 34 a, 34 b. A planarinsert 152 abuts each wall 24. The insert 152 is shaped to conform tothe shape of the wall so the outer periphery has a curved peripheryportion 154 conforming to the intersection of the walls 24 with thefitting 150 and the circular port 16, with an optional straight top 156flat aligning with the flats 34 a, 34 b in use. The inner peripheraledge 158 of the insert 24 is configured to conform to the cylindricalflow path along axis 14 and thus provide a smooth and substantiallystraight flow path with interior fitting walls 20. The overall shape ofthe inner periphery will be slightly elliptical since the walls 24 areinclined to the longitudinal axis of flow path 14 as best seen in FIG.13A.

The inserts 152 advantageously have inner and outer peripheral edges160, 162 joining opposing faces 164 a, 164 b. Preferably, the outerperipheral edge 160 is perpendicular to the opposing faces 162 a, 162 bas best seen in FIG. 13B. The inner peripheral edge 162 of each insert152 is preferably, but optionally not perpendicular to the opposingfaces and instead is inclined at an angle so that it is parallel tolongitudinal axis 14 to provide a smooth flow path 14 so that ifcorrectly aligned it forms part of a substantially straight flow pathalong longitudinal axis 14. The angle of inclination is preferably thesame or about the same as the angle of inclination of the walls 24 inthe fitting 150.

The recess 22 advantageously has a ledge 164 (FIG. 14 ) formedperpendicular to each face 24 a, 24 b, so that the outer peripheral edge160 of the inserts 24 sit flat on the ledge 164. The ledge is best seenin FIG. 13A, at the bottom of the fitting opposite the port 16. Theinserts 152 thus have one edge (outer edge 160) perpendicular to theopposing faces 152 a, 152 b, and one edge (inner edge 162) angled.

The inserts 152 are advantageously made of a softer metal such ascopper, aluminum or brass, but are preferably a polymer material. It isdifficult to finish the walls 24 to a sufficiently flat tolerance toensure good fluid seals. The inserts 152 help provide a flatter surfacefor sealing. The inserts 152 could be press fit into place. Preferablythough, an adhesive 166 (FIG. 13B) fastens the inserts 152 to the walls24, and optionally also fastens the inserts to the recess 22 and/orinterior wall 20 of fitting 150. A waterproof adhesive is preferred.

Referring to FIGS. 15A-15B, the inserts 152 are formed as part of aunitary insert that is integrally molded of as polymer, preferably asuitable plastic, to form unitary insert 170 having opposing walls 172a, 172 b which correspond to 152 a, 152 b except the side walls 172 arejoined together by side 174. The side 174 conforms to the shape of therecess 22 in fitting 150. The side 174 is shown as slightly curvedoutward since the port 16 intersects with the fitting 150 with the sidesslightly curved outward. If the shape of the intersection of port 16 andfitting 150 alters, then the shape of the side 174 will alter, forexample to a more flat, cylindrical shape. The walls 172 a, 172 b areconfigured to abut walls 24 in fitting 150, and have a large generallycircular (but slightly elliptical) opening conforming to the flow paththrough the fitting 150. The opening is slightly elliptical because thewalls 174 are inclined so the circular flow path through fitting 150intersecting the inclined walls form an elliptical opening. The shape ofthe elliptical opening varies with the inclination of the walls 24, 174.

The unitary insert 170 has an inner peripheral edge 162 on the openingfor the flow path, with that edge preferably, but optionally, beinginclined to be parallel to the longitudinal axis 15. An inclinationangle about, or the same as, the angle of inclination of the walls 24 tothe axis 17 is believed suitable. The unitary insert 170 has a flatupper edge 176 conforming in shape to the opening the flats 34 form inthe circular port 16.

The unitary insert 170 is inserted into the port 16 and is configured tofit into recess 12. It is preferably fastened to the fitting byadhesives located between and on the facing walls 24 and 172. The ledge164 is preferably not used in this embodiment, but its presence isacceptable. It is difficult to finish the walls 24 to a sufficientlyflat tolerance to ensure good fluid seals when the fitting is made ofcast iron. The insert 170 helps accommodate this by providing a flattersurface for sealing. The insert 170 could be press fit into place.Preferably though, an adhesive 166 fastens the insert 170 to the walls24 and optionally also fastens the inserts to the recess 22 and/orinterior wall 20 of fitting 150. A waterproof adhesive is preferred.

There is thus advantageously provided insert 170, which is preferablynon-removable and configured to be placed in the recess 22 and fastenedto the fitting 150 and configured to define a substantially straightflow path through the fitting 150 while providing a sufficient flatsurface to the testing and sealing devices 26, 28 for operational uses.The insert 172 accommodates rougher surfaces on the cast iron fitting150 and provides smoother and flatter surfaces adapted to seal againstthe pressure testing device 26 and sealing device 28. The inserts 172can be used with any of the testing devices described herein, with theconfiguration of the inserts 172 altered to mate with the walls 24 ofthe fitting, or the analogous walls of the various fittings describedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 16-20 , a further embodiment is shown having afitting adapted for a single sided seal on the testing device and theaccompanying sealing device are disclosed. The altered parts withcorresponding parts in the earlier embodiment usually have the partsnumbers incremented by 200, with the unchanged parts usually using theoriginal part numbers. The prior detailed description of the same oranalogous parts are not repeated here in order to shorten thedescription, but such parts have the previously described construction,functions and advantages.

The fitting 210 has upstream and downstream ends 12 a, 12 b,respectively, and longitudinal flow path 14. Outer and inner fittingwalls 218, 220 define a flow path along axis 14 which flow path ispreferably cylindrical. A circular port 216 is formed on the outside ofthe fitting 210 to form a T fitting, although the orientation of theport 216 could be at other angles or locations to form differentfittings such as Y fitting, end fittings or blind fitting, etc. Thefitting has a recess 222 which intersects the fitting walls 218 in acomplex shape described later. The recess 222 encircles the flow pathand longitudinal axis 14 and opens into the port 16. An inclined wall224 a is formed on the upstream side of the recess 222 and port 216 andcorresponds to wall 24 a. An inclination angle of about 15 degrees isbelieved suitable. The downstream wall 224 b is generally vertical orparallel to axis 17, but slightly inclined toward the wall 222 a. Walls224 a, 224 b are not symmetric about a plane along axis 17 andorthogonal to axis 14 (walls 24 a, 24 b are preferably symmetric aboutthat plane). The recess 222 has a shape on the upstream side of axis 17shaped by the inclined wall 224 a, and has a shape on the downstreamside of axis 17 shaped by a cylinder about the same as the pipe diameterextending along axis 17 and intersecting the perpendicular tube definingthe flow path along longitudinal axis 14.

A test device 226 is inserted into the recess 222 to seal againstupstream wall 222 a for pressure testing, with the downstream wall 224 bbeing slightly tapered relative to the device 226 to wedge seal 248 onface 246 of device 226 against the wall 222 a to form a fluid tight sealfor testing. A tube 260 in the testing device 226 accommodates tubularstem valve 74, or an alternative valve 274 a (described later). Asealing device 228 is shaped to seal the circular port 216 and fill therecess 222 when the testing device 226 is removed. The sealing device228 has an upstream side that is flat and inclined and an opposingdownstream side that is curved, and the parts connecting these upstreamand downstream sides reflect the shape of the recess 222. This isdiscussed in more detail later.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18 , the fitting 210 has upstream wall 222 ainclined at about 15 degrees. Downstream wall 222 b is also slightlyinclined, an angle of about 2° to 10°, preferably about 3° to 6°, andideally about 5°. The wall 222 a is flat (planar) and advantageouslyforms a flat 224 a inside the port 216 that has a straight side formedby wall 222 a, and a curved side formed by the circular port 216. Thedownstream wall 222 b has a circular cross sectional shape along axis17, and forms a flat 234 b having a crescent shape with the circularport 216 defining the larger curve and the curved, generally cylindricalbut tapered shape conforming to testing device 226 forming the smallercurve of the crescent shaped flat 234 b. The walls 224 a, 224 b arespaced apart at a distance sufficient to allow a cleanout device toenter the fitting and pipeline, as discussed relative to walls 24 a, 24b.

The port 216 advantageously has threads 29 b, preferably internalthreads (they could be external) to mate with threads 29 a on retainingring 30. A ring seal 38 is advantageously placed between the retainingring 30 and testing device 226, or between the testing device 228 and apart of the port 216 to seal the parts. Preferably a ledge 36 on theinside of the port 216 accommodates sealing ring 38, with the ledgeencircling the flats 234. Alternatively, the sealing ring 38 could beomitted.

The pressure testing device 226 has a top 40 optionally forming a flangethat abuts the faces 234 and sealing ring 48 and is preferably circularin shape to fit inside port 216 and close to the walls forming thatport. It has one flat 256 on the upstream side formed by face 246 a. Thetesting device 226 has an upstream face 246 a corresponding to the shapeof wall 224 a, and inclined to abut wall 224 a. Ring seal 248 is on theface 246 a. The testing device 226 has no flat downstream face andinstead the downstream face takes the form of sidewall 254 extendingbetween opposing sides of upstream face 246 a. The sidewall 254 may beconsidered to contain downstream face 246 b, but the parts preferablyblend together in a continuous curve. The sidewall 254 is generallycylindrical but slightly tapered as described above and mates withrecess wall 222 b. The downstream face 246 b or sidewall 254 does nothave to form a fluid tight seal with mating wall 222 b, butadvantageously wedges the device 226 to urge the seal 248 againstupstream wall 224 a. The sides of the testing device 226 may have flats255 (FIG. 17C) to conform to the intersection of the tapered cylindricaldevice 226 extending along axis 17 and the cylindrical flow path throughfitting 210 extending along perpendicular axis 14.

The angle of inclination on walls 224, sidewall 254 and face 246 acannot be too large or the testing pressure will exert enough force onthe inclined face 246 a to force the testing device 226 out of the port216 to cause leakage, or if insufficiently restrained, enough pressureto eject the device 226 from the port. Inclination angles of face 246 a(relative to axis 17) of less than about 30° are preferred, and theangle is preferably less than 20° and advantageously about 10-15°.

Tube 260 extends from the face 246 to outside the testing device 226 andplaces those areas in fluid communication. The tube 260 is preferablylocated on the centerline 17 of the device 226 and port 216 during use.The testing device 226 is preferably hollow with stiffening plates 252on the interior side of the testing device located as needed. The tube260 has internal threads 270, with on end extending past the face 246 toform a protrusion on that upstream face.

The testing device has an upstream opening 262 preferably formed in theportion of the tube 260 extending past the inclined face 246, preferablyat an end of that tube. The end of the tube 260 is advantageouslytapered to form valve seat 290. The opening 262 is preferably a circularopening that may be centered in the valve seat 290 and centered alongaxis 17, or that may be located on a side of that valve seat as seen inFIGS. 18A-18C. The upstream opening 262 is advantageously close to thebottom wall of the fitting 210, but may be offset more towardlongitudinal axis 17 as shown in the figures.

A downstream opening 264 is formed in the sidewall 254 and is in fluidcommunication with the inside of tube 260. The downstream opening 264 isshown as a circular opening in the side of tube 260 and in fluidcommunication with a slotted recess aligned parallel to axis 17 andformed by walls 266. The slotted recess is advantageously configured toreduce pressure on the fluid flowing through downstream opening 264. Theopenings 262, 264 are located relative to each other and sized so that acigarette but can pass through them under testing pressure andadvantageously at about half the testing pressure used to test pipeline11. The same consideration applies to the shape of any recess leading toor from the openings 262, 264 (or openings 62, 64). The shape of tube260 and the parts in fluid communication therewith may vary depending onspecific design considerations. The downstream opening 264 is locatedabove upstream opening 262 along axis 17, with above being toward theport 216, but the relative positioning can vary.

The use of the pressure testing device 226 is like that of testingdevice 26 when stem valve 74 is inserted into tube 260 so threads 278mate with internal threads 270 on the tube 60 (FIG. 18A) to provide formultiple flow configurations using the two valves formed on or by valvestem 74.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18B-18C show a further valve stem 274 a that lacksrotary valve 84. A ring seal 292 encircles the valve stem 274 a,preferably in a groove in body of the stem 274 a. The seal 292 keepsfluid from squirting out of tube 260 along axis 17. Threads 278 on thestem 274 a engage threads 270 on the tube 260 to move the valve alongaxis 17 to control fluid flow through the testing device 226 throughopenings 262, 264. FIG. 18B shows the flow open configuration orposition, while FIG. 18C shows the flow closed configuration orposition. Valve member 290 on the end of valve stem 274 a cooperateswith the seat 268 to control the flow. Manual gripping portions suchtabs 265 allow rotation of the valve stem 274 a and flow control. Thetubular valve 274 a is shown with a hollow blind passage through itscenter for ease of molding, but it need not be hollow.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 19-21 , after pressure testing is completedthe testing device 226 is removed and sealing device 228 is inserted andheld in place by various means, preferably retaining ring 30. Thesealing device 228 has a circular periphery on its top with threads 312and shoulder 314 to abut sealing ring interposed between the device 228and fitting 210 or port 16. The body portion 316 has a complex shapegenerally formed by the intersection of two cylinders at right angles toeach other (vertical and horizontal), but with a flat slice taken fromthe end of one cylinder (the vertical one). The interior wall 318 iscylindrical to match the flow path through pipeline 11 and fitting 210.The side 320 extends from opposing sides of the annular ring 310. Theupstream wall 322 a is straight and inclined to abut wall 222 a and isshaped similar to that wall. The downstream wall 322 b has a curvedprofile (FIGS. 21C-D) when viewed from the side. The bottom of the side320 is flattened. No boss is shown in this configuration, but a boss andhole for mounting a cover could be added. The flat wall 312 a abuts thetop ring 310 to form a chord of that ring and form flat 124 a. As seenin FIG. 21B, the lateral sides of the sealing device on opposing sidesof the flow path and on the upper portion, are flat rather than curvedoutward as is the recess 222. That portion could be curved outward, butonly the inner wall 318 need conform to the flow path through thefitting, the outer portion must conform to the upstream and downstreamportions of the recess 222, but not to the interior of the recess 222.Thus, flats can be used on the side portions identified above.

The sealing device 228 is used analogous to device 28 to seal the port216. The description of the details of the construction and use are notrepeated.

Referring to FIGS. 22-26 , a further embodiment is shown. The partnumbers for analogous parts in this embodiment will be incremented by400, and the detailed description of these analogous parts will not berepeated. The fitting 410 has upstream and downstream ends 412 a, 412 balong longitudinal axis 14, with circular port 416 orthogonal to axis 14and centered along axis 17. The testing device 426 has a paddle shapewith opposing faces 246 a, 246 b only slightly tapered relative tovertical axis 17, with the recess 422 formed by walls 424 a, 424 b inthe interior of port 416 configured to generally match that taper butcreate a slight wedging effect to ensure sealing with at least one, butpreferably with both faces 446 a, 446 b. Tubular stem valve 74containing rotary valve 84 and sealing ring 92 is as previouslydescribed, and may fit into and cooperate with a tube 460 located andpreferably centered between the face 446 a, 446 b. The tube 460 canextend beyond the plane of the walls 424 a, 424 b and protrude fromfaces 446 a, 446 b. Alternatively, stem valve 474 a, analogous to valve274 a, may fit into tube 460 with the tube modified accordingly as shownin FIG. 24 . Retaining ring 430 fastens to port 416 to hold the testingdevice 426 and sealing device 428 (FIG. 26 ) in place. External threadsare shown on port 416 and retaining ring 430.

The testing device has a disc shaped top 440 with tube 460 ending above,or as depicted, at the surface of the disc. The top 440 blocks theentire circular opening of port 416. The walls 446 are symmetric about aplane through axis 17 and perpendicular to axis 14, and spaced apart ashort distance with sidewall 454 joining the opposing faces 446. A ringseal (not shown) analogous to seal 48 can be used on one or both of thedevice faces 446 a, 446 b, but a surface seal is depicted in the figureswhere the portion of the faces 446 engaging walls 424 wedge together toform a fluid tight seal. Optionally, a sealing surface 445 may be formedon the peripheral sides and edges of the faces 446 and sidewall 454 of amore flexible elastomer in order to increase sealing efficiency.Alternatively, the sealing surface 445 may be harder and the walls 424of the recess 422 may have a layer of softer sealing material on them. Acontinuous raised rib seal analogous to rib 50 (FIG. 3 ) may be used.All of the seal variations described relative to testing devices 26,226, 426 may be used on any of the testing devices.

The tube 460 has upstream opening 462 and downstream opening 464 thatare preferably offset, with the upstream opening lower (further from theport 416) than the downstream opening 464. The openings 462, 464 arepreferably sized and spaced so a cigarette butt can pass through themunder testing pressure, and preferably at half the testing pressure.Since the tube 460 extends beyond the faces 446, there is no walledrecess leading to the openings 462 or 464. While the opening 462 isshown toward the middle of the fitting fluid passage, it could belocated more toward the bottom of the fitting 410 (away from port 416),or closer to the port 416.

The use of the testing device 426 is as previously described and is notrepeated. The testing device 426 may be used with the dual valve stemassembly that includes valve 74 and rotary valve 84, or it may be usedwith the two-position valve 274 a, as may the other testing devices 26,226. FIG. 24 shows the two-position valve 274 a.

Referring to FIGS. 25-26 , after testing is completed the testing device426 is removed and a sealing device 428 is inserted and fastened to thefitting 410 with retaining ring 430. The sealing device 428 isconfigured to fill the recess 422 and to fill the cylindrical portion ofport 416 extending to the cylindrical portion of the fitting 410extending along axis 16, in order to provide a smooth and preferablystraight flow path through the fitting 410. A ring seal 438 may beinterposed between the retaining ring 430 and sealing device 428, orbetween the sealing device 428 and the fitting 410. In FIG. 26 the seal438 comprises a flat, gasket type seal with cutouts for the recess 422,that abuts a ledge or shoulder 514 on the port 416 adjacent the openingto the port 416. A circular ring 510 on sealing device 428 abuts theseal 438 to squeeze it against the shoulder 514 on fitting 410 toprevent leakage. In the depicted embodiment the retaining ring 430 isthreaded onto the outside of the port 416 using threads 512.

The sealing device 428 has side 520 shaped like a U-shaped strip ofmaterial sized to fit into recess 422, with opposing ends of theU-shaped strip depending from the bottom side of the top 40. The insideof the side 520 forms walls 518 forming the bottom part of a cylindricalpassage. The sealing device also fills the port to provide a continuousflow surface through the fitting 410, so generally V-shaped sidewalls533 curve from the side 520 toward the top 410 with the inside 518 ofthe sidewalls 533 forming the top portion of cylindrical passage throughthe fitting.

The sidewalls 533 resemble the intersection of two equally sizedcylinders extending along axis 17 and 14. The top 510 may be annular,may be a flat disc, or may be recessed to conform to the cylindricalshape of inner walls 518. A boss 128 (FIG. 11 ) may be used to mount adecorative plate as previously described.

In all of the above embodiments the port 16, 216, 416 is preferablylarge enough for use as a cleanout, allowing the spacing as initiallydescribed between walls 24 a, 24 b. In all of the above embodiments theopening to port 16, 216, 416 is preferably at or as close to theexterior wall 18 as possible in order to reduce the height of thefitting along axis 17.

The various testing devices 26, 226 and 426 provide means for blockingfluid flow through the fitting 10. The various sealing devices 28, 228and 428 provide means for sealing the port in the fitting and providinga smooth flow path through the fitting. Inserts 152, 170 provide meansfor adapting cast iron fittings for use with the testing and/or sealingdevices described herein.

The present fitting 10 and associated pressure testing device 26 andcleanout-seal device 28 form improvements on prior devices such as theslide assemblies of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,655,413 and 6,997,041, the completecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Those priordevices are not believed to provide the simplified structure, sealingand operational aspects of the present invention.

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation.Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devisevariations that are within the scope and spirit of the inventiondisclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodimentsdisclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with eachother and are not intended to be limited to the specific combinationdescribed herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited bythe illustrated embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A removable pressure testing device for use intesting the pressure in a pipe line having an interior diameter andhaving a fitting with a flow path through the fitting along alongitudinal axis of the flow path, the fitting having a port and arecess encircling a portion of the flow path opposite the port and intowhich the testing device is inserted to block fluid flow through thefitting for testing, the pressure testing device sized to removably fitthrough the port during use, the pressure testing device comprising: twooppositely inclined first and second fitting walls each having faces,one face being an upstream face and the other a downstream face, thefaces configured to form a fluid tight seal with the recess in thefitting during use; a first opening defined in the first fitting wall,the first fitting wall having the upstream face, the first opening beinglocated to be placed within the flow path through the fitting when thepressure testing device blocks flow through the fitting; a secondopening defined in the second fitting wall, the second fitting wallhaving the downstream face, the second opening being located to beplaced within the flow path through the fitting when the pressuretesting device blocks flow through the fitting; a first fluid passageplacing the first and second openings in fluid communication; and avalve assembly having a manually actuatable valve in fluid communicationthrough a second fluid passage in the pressure testing device, the valvehaving a fluid outlet that is accessible externally of the pressuretesting device and having a first closed position blocking flow throughthe fluid outlet and further having a second open position allowingfluid flow through the first opening.
 2. The removable pressure testingdevice of claim 1, further comprising an insert that is configured tofit between the pressure testing device and the fitting during use, theinsert configured to abut and form a fluid tight seal with the recess inthe fitting, the insert abutting portions of the two opposing faces. 3.The removable pressure testing device of claim 1, wherein the valvecomprises a tubular valve stem that forms the second fluid passage. 4.The removable pressure testing device of claim 3, wherein the pressuretesting device further comprises a tube located between the two opposingfaces and in fluid communication with at least one of the first andsecond openings in the two opposing faces, a portion of the tubularvalve stem extending through the tube.
 5. The removable pressure testingdevice of claim 4, wherein the tubular valve stem translates within thetube between the first closed position and the second open position. 6.The removable pressure testing device of claim 4, wherein the tubularvalve stem and tube have mating threads with the tubular valve stembeing rotated to translate between the first closed position and thesecond open position of the valve.
 7. The removable pressure testingdevice of claim 4, wherein the valve comprises a rotary valve located inthe tubular valve stem.
 8. The removable pressure testing device ofclaim 3, further comprising a member extending from the tubular valvestem configured to be manually gripped.
 9. The removable pressuretesting device of claim 3, wherein the fluid outlet of the valvecomprises an external end of the tubular valve stem.
 10. The removablepressure testing device of claim 9, wherein the external end isthreaded.
 11. A removable pressure testing device for use in testing thepressure in a pipe line having a fitting with a flow path therethroughalong a longitudinal axis, the fitting having a port and a recessencircling a portion of the flow path opposite the port and into whichthe testing device is inserted to block fluid flow through the fittingfor testing, the pressure testing device sized to removably fit throughthe port during use, the pressure testing device comprising: a bodyhaving two oppositely inclined first and second fitting walls eachhaving faces, one face being an upstream face and the other a downstreamface, the two opposing faces configured to form a fluid tight seal withthe recess in the fitting during use; a first opening defined in thefirst fitting wall, the first fitting wall having the upstream face, thefirst opening being in the flow path of the fitting; a second openingdefined in the second fitting wall, the second fitting wall having thedownstream face, the second opening being in the flow path of thefitting, the second opening being in fluid communication with the firstopening via a first fluid passage; and a valve assembly having a fluidoutlet that is accessible externally of the pressure testing device, thevalve assembly having a closed position blocking flow through the fluidoutlet and an open position allowing fluid flow through the firstopening.
 12. The removable pressure testing device of claim 11, furthercomprising an insert that is configured to fit between the pressuretesting device and the fitting during use, the insert configured to abutand form a fluid tight seal with the recess in the fitting, the insertabutting portions of the two opposing faces.
 13. The removable pressuretesting device of claim 12, wherein the pressure testing device furthercomprises a tubular valve stem and a tube, the tube being locatedbetween the two opposing faces and in fluid communication with at leastone of the first and second openings in the two opposing faces, aportion of the tubular valve stem extending through the tube.
 14. Theremovable pressure testing device of claim 13, wherein the tubular valvestem translates within the tube between the closed position and the openposition.
 15. The removable pressure testing device of claim 13, whereinthe fluid outlet of the valve assembly comprises an external end of thetubular valve stem.
 16. The removable pressure testing device of claim13, wherein the valve assembly comprises a rotary valve located in thetubular valve stem.
 17. A removable pressure testing device for use intesting the pressure in a pipe line having a fitting with a flow paththerethrough, the fitting having a recess encircling a portion of theflow path, the pressure testing device sized to removably fit throughthe fitting, the pressure testing device comprising: two oppositelyinclined first and second fitting walls each having faces, one facebeing an upstream face and the other a downstream face, the two opposingfaces configured to form a fluid tight seal with the recess in thefitting during use; a first opening defined in the first fitting wall,the first fitting wall having the upstream face; a second openingdefined in the second fitting wall, the second fitting wall having thedownstream face, the second opening being in fluid communication withthe first opening; and a valve assembly having a fluid outlet that isaccessible externally of the pressure testing device, the valve assemblyhaving a closed position blocking flow through the fluid outlet and anopen position allowing fluid flow through the first opening.
 18. Theremovable pressure testing device of claim 17, further comprising aninsert that is configured to fit between the pressure testing device andthe fitting during use, the insert configured to abut and form a fluidtight seal with the recess in the fitting, the insert abutting portionsof the two opposing faces.
 19. The removable pressure testing device ofclaim 17, wherein the pressure testing device further comprises atubular valve stem and a tube, the tube being located between the twoopposing faces and in fluid communication with at least one of the firstand second openings in the two opposing faces, a portion of the tubularvalve stem extending through the tube, wherein the tubular valve stemtranslates within the tube between the closed position and the openposition, and wherein the fluid outlet of the valve assembly comprisesan external end of the tubular valve stem.
 20. The removable pressuretesting device of claim 19, wherein the valve assembly comprises arotary valve located in the tubular valve stem.